Uninterruptible Power System Static Transfer Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial AC power systems are prone to variations such as overvoltage, under-voltage, and transient signals, which can damage sensitive communication and data processing equipment due to their sensitivity to input power signal deviations from the standard waveform.
Innovation Solution
An uninterruptible power supply system comprising a main power supply unit, a slave power supply unit, a generator, and an uninterruptible power supply unit with a power supply module, battery group module, rectifying charging module, DC to AC inverter, and a power supply static transfer switch that quickly switches between power sources to maintain stable power, including backup modules and redundant units for reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercial AC power is used directly to power communication and data processing equipment, then the equipment can operate with simple power supply configuration, but the equipment is vulnerable to power signal variations including overvoltage, under-voltage, and transient signals that can damage the sensitive circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into multiple independent modules: commercial power input module, generator power input module, uninterruptible power supply unit with battery, automatic transfer switches, and surge protective devices. Each module handles specific power source management, allowing the system to protect sensitive equipment while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates surge protective devices and automatic transfer switches that are pre-configured to detect and respond to power signal variations before they can damage equipment. The uninterruptible power supply with battery provides beforehand cushioning by immediately taking over when commercial power fails, preventing any interruption to sensitive circuitry.
2Reliability
If an uninterruptible power supply system with multiple power sources and switching mechanisms is implemented, then continuous and stable power supply is ensured, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic transfer switch serves multiple functions: it automatically detects power failures, switches between commercial and generator power, and coordinates with the uninterruptible power supply unit. The generator system provides both primary backup power and charging capability for the battery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing complexity while ensuring power supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The uninterruptible power supply unit acts as an intermediary between the power sources (commercial power, generator) and the sensitive equipment. It includes a battery and inverter that mediate power delivery, providing clean, stable power to equipment while isolating them from variations and interruptions in the input power sources. This intermediary layer ensures reliability without requiring direct complex connections between all power sources and equipment.
3Reliability
If backup modules and redundant units are added to the power supply system, then the reliability and fault tolerance are improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses modular design where backup components (battery, generator, uninterruptible power supply unit) are segmented into distinct, independently replaceable units. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to service or replace individual modules without shutting down the entire system, easing repair complexity despite having redundant components. The automatic transfer switch enables seamless switching during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic monitoring and transfer capabilities that reduce the need for manual intervention during failures or maintenance. The automatic transfer switch self-manages power source switching when failures are detected, and the system can operate in degraded modes using available power sources, allowing maintenance to proceed without complete system shutdown and reducing maintenance complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures continuous and stable power supply to sensitive equipment by quickly switching between commercial power, generator power, and battery power, protecting against power outages and signal variations, and allowing for maintenance without disrupting power to critical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a rectifying charging module (714), a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) inverter (715)
Implementation Method 2
a direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) inverter (715)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An uninterruptible electric power system comprises a main power supply unit (10), an uninterruptible power supply unit (70) receiving AC commercial power from the main power supply unit (10), and a slave power supply unit (30). The uninterruptible power supply unit (70) converts the AC commercial power to converted AC power. The slave power supply unit (30) is connected to the uninterruptible power supply unit (70). The slave power supply unit (30) comprises a slave static transfer switch (33), which comprises a first input terminal (A) connected to the uninterruptible power supply unit (70) to receive the converted AC power, a second input terminal (B) receiving the AC commercial power, and an output terminal (C) configured to connect, when the uninterruptible power supply unit (70) is in normal operation, to the first input terminal (A) to receive the converted AC power and connect, when the uninterruptible power supply unit (70) operates abnormally, to the second input terminal (B) to receive the AC commercial power.